UN Geneva - Multimedia Newsroom : HRC58 - Human rights in Sudan

Mr Vice President, Minister Excellence, his distinguished colleagues, I cannot overstate the seriousness of the situation in Sudan, the desperate plight of the Sudanese people and the urgency with with with which we must act to ease their suffering.

Since the armed conflict began in 2023, a devastating human rights crisis has has generated the world's largest humanitarian catastrophe.

More than 600,000 people are on the brink of starvation.

Famine is reported to have taken hold in five areas, including some some displacement camp in Ousterfour, where the World Food Programme has just been forced to suspend its life saving operations due to intense fighting.

Five more areas could face famine in the next three months and a further 17 are at risk.

My own staff have heard harrowing testimonies of death from starvation in Khartoum and Om Dorman.

An estimated 8.8 million people have been forced from their homes to camps and other locations within Sudan, and 3.5 million more have fled across borders.

This is the biggest displacement crisis in the world.

Some 30.4 million people need assistance, from healthcare to food and other forms of humanitarian support.

Less than 30% of hospitals and clinics are still working, and outbreaks of disease are rampant in displacement camps.

We are looking into the abyss.

Humanitarian agencies warn that without action to end the war, deliver emergency aid and get agriculture back on its feet, hundreds of thousands of people could die.

The Sudanese people have endured unfathomable suffering and pain since the conflict began with no peaceful solution insight.

It is impossible to imagine the torment of children who have lost their parents, wives and husbands who have lost their partners, People who have lost everything and are searching for food, water and and safety under constant shelling and bombardment.

This horrific situation is the result of grave and flagrant violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and a culture of utter impunity.

The report I'm presenting today illustrates the scope of these violations and underscores why accountability as a matter of life and death.

Mr Vice President, since the reporting period ended late last year, the parties to the conflict have continued to launch indiscriminate and direct attacks using explosive weapons, with wide area effects on on densely populated areas including IDP camps, markets and schools.

Following a series of attacks attributed to the Rapid Support Forces around Alcatina in White Nile State last week, there were shocking reports of hundreds of people killed and others raped and abducted.

Hospitals and schools have been hit repeatedly.

3 World Food Programme staff were killed in an air strike in Blue Knight State in December.

My office has documented many reports of summary execution of civilians.

People have been attacked on the basis of who they are, often building on past divisions along ethnic and tribal lines.

Hate speech and incitement to violence are increasing tensions and polarisation.

As the fighting has spread across the country, appalling levels of sexual violence have followed.

More than half of reported **** incidents took the form of gang ****, an indication that sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war.

Cases of sexual violence were vastly underreported because of stigma, fear of reprisal and the collapse of medical and judicial institutions.

Child recruitment by both parties and their allied militias is driven in part by poverty and school closures.

In some cases, children join the fighting to protect their families.

Civic space is shrinking, while arbitrary detention puts civil society journalists and human rights defenders at risk of torture and I'll treatment.

At least 12 journalists were killed during the reporting, including two who were in detention.

Some of the acts document in the report may constitute war crimes and other atrocity crimes.

Mr Vice President, in May last year, I spoke personally with Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, the President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council and Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and to General Muhammad Hamdan Dhagalaw, Commander of the Rapid Support Forces, and warned them that the fighting was having a catastrophic impact on civilians and would deepen inter communal conflict with disastrous humanitarian consequences.

I renew my calls on on them to engage in negotiations and mediation efforts towards an immediate cessation of hostilities, to take measures effective measures to protect civilians and sexual violence and the recruitment and use of children, and to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian relief and humanitarian aid workers to all areas.

And I call on the international community to make coordinated diplomatic efforts towards finding a path to peace.

Accountability is critical to breaking the recurring cycles of violence and impunity in Sudan and preventing further violations and abuses.

All violations and abuses must be investigated by independent and impartial investigation mechanisms in line with international standards.

Mr Vice President, Sudan is a powder keg on the verge of a further explosion into chaos and a decrease at increasing risk of atrocity crimes and mass deaths from famine.

Despite continued mediation efforts, Sudan is at a political stalemate.

While the bloodshed continues unabated, the danger of escalation has never been higher.

Recent moves towards establishing A governing authority in areas under RSF control are likely to further entrench divisions and the risk of continued hostilities.

There is an intense struggle for control of natural resources, strategic assets and and economic interests, leading both parties to seek regional and international alliances to sustain the war economy.

Sudan's location at the crossroads of several sub regions means this conflict poses a serious ****** to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel and beyond.

The continued supply of weapons from outside the country, including new and more advanced arms, also poses a serious risk.

We need urgent action now to find a path to peace.

All countries must use their influence to apply diplomatic and political pressure on the parties and their regional and international allies towards a ceasefire, the effective protection of civilians and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.

They must also ensure compliance with the arms embargo on Darfur while considering its its expansion to cover the whole country.

We must move towards an inclusive dialogue that reflects the diversity of the people of Sudan and paves the way for a transition to a civilian LED government that responds to the aspirations of of the Sudanese people.

We must do much, much better for the people of Sudan.

Thank you.

Thank you, **** Commissioner.

Now I give the flow to His Excellency Mr Mohaviya Osman Muhammad Higher, Muhammad Ahmed, Minister of Justice of the Sudan, to speak on behalf of the country.

You have the Full Excellency.

I see the reason, Mr.

President, of the Human Rights Council, at the outset, allow me to reaffirm that Sudan's participation in this session does not mean, does not undermine its position on the resolution of the 36th session.

The report before you and despite the fact that we agree with much of what comes in it, particularly when it points fingers clearly and directly to the rebel militias for committing the multitude of atrocities and IHL, unprecedented IHL violations and human rights violations.

However, the report was not comprehensive and accurate, given the fact that it has been using the phrase party to the conflict in order to extend the umbrella of accusation so that the militias, the rebel militias would be only one actor on the ground.

Despite the fact that the militias have initiated this war, they have forced people out of their of their regions, humiliating them and trying to cleanse specific regions from the original population.

Just like the West dove for Mr.

President, green light has been given to the militias through strategic drones and military support.

Strategic drones provided by the UAE.

These material and equipment are still flowing by land and by air, despite the fact that the Security Council has adopted 3 relevant resolutions, in addition to the political and media support to the rebel militias.

Mr.

President, the Sudanese Armed Forces, the National Army, is our professional forces that are undertaking the constitutional duty to protect the civilians and the nation according to the IHL rules, particularly distinction the military's necessity, proportionality and precaution, as well as sending warning circulars in the engagement areas with regard to the community resistance.

It is as a matter of fact an automatic defensive reaction that are based and initiated by the people that has been framed under the Mobilisation and Resistance Act of two regulations rather in 2024 and they are under the command of the Sudanese Armed Forces.

Mr.

President, the rebel militias have been undertaken arbitrary detention against civilians.

More than 10,000 civilians have been detained in the Suba prisons and a Riyadh complex in inhumane circumstances.

The daily toll of deaths is 4 to 80 deaths.

Women and girls have been also detained and raped.

In this respect, the government has established safe homes for victims of sexual violence.

We facilitated the remedy and access to justice and simplify the judiciary procedures.

Mr.

President, my country news, it's obligation, it's commitment to facilitate deliveries, humanitarian deliveries to the impacted countries through the **** Joint Committee for Human Emergencies, through opening border crosslands, including every cross crossing point.

Despite the fact that the rebel militias have been blocking the humanitarian deliveries in a targeted manner.

The Sudan calls for mobilising efforts to address the growing humanitarian needs.

My government, Mr.

President, reaffirms its commitment to realising just peace and stability across the country to address the needs of the Sudanese people and to maintain their dignity and end their suffering.

At the political level, the President of the Transitional Sovereign Sovereignty Council has adopted a road map for the transition, in addition to making amendments to the constitutional document.

We have seen over the past period that some countries do not commit to the principles of the Knight Nation Charter with regards to national sovereignty and recognition of governments and states, which might undermine the stability of international relations.

We are ready to cooperate with international mechanisms in a manner that respects the national unity and sovereignty of our country.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you, Excellency.

Distinguished goods delegates, just to remind that this is now closed.

Now I would like to give now like to watch a video statement by Mr Adama Deang, the African Union Special Envoy on the prevention of genocide and moths as atrocities.

Mr.

Chairman, distinguished delegate, thank you for inviting me to speak at this very important interactive dialogue of the Human Rights Council on the ongoing tragedy in Sudan, and I do so with a heavy heart.

As you know, the aftermath of popular protests, which led to the removal of President Bashir from power, had provided opportunities for Sudanese people and brought hope and possibilities for a better future.

Regrettably, fighting broke out in Khartoum on 15 April 2023 in the middle of Ramadan.

And since the humanitarian and human rights situation in Sudan remains the world's worst, what is ongoing in Sudan is an indictment on our collective humanity, especially to our common commitment of never again.

Extreme violence against civilian by both sides is widespread throughout the country.

The war has been characterised by targeting of civilians, including execution, abduction, torture, sexual violence, slavery and sexual slavery, looting of private property, indiscriminate bombardment of civilians.

Sexual ******* has reached such a proportion that there have been reports of women committing mass suicide as the only way to avoid ****.

The ethnic mobilisation and racism is also growing at an alarming rate.

A matter of particular concern is the increasingly ethnic dimension of the violence beating Arabs against all the communities, in particular the Fool, Zagawa and Masali in Darfu.

While this nightmare has been unfolding in Sudan, the international response has been inadequate.

I stand ready to work closely with UN Fact Finding Mission and the AU investigation into human rights abuses, which would allow us to identify perpetrators, give a voice to the victims and identify ways to mitigate suffering.

We cannot afford to wait any longer.

Mr.

Chairman, despite the setbacks, all is not lost.

Allow me to propose the following specific action that your Council can take.

One, continue to call for unconditional and credible ceasefire between the warring parties.

Your Council should stand up and support credible efforts being pushed to bring peace to Sudan by both the UN and those of regional organisations such as the AU and IGAD.

This Council should also lend its voice to in trust Sudanese peace efforts.

2 Actively engage and advocate for unhindered humanitarian access, funding and delivery of essential needs such as food, shelter and medical care for ID, PS and refugees.

3 Continued advocacy for respect of human rights and I shall I call upon this Council to continue.

It's a full support to the independent fact finding mission in Sudan.

It is critical that ongoing violations are investigated and documented.

It is only through accountability for past crimes that Sudan can credibly forge a peaceful and inclusive future for its citizens.

4th Continued advocacy for a stable and inclusive political environment in Sudan is essential for long term peace.

Support for democratic governance and electoral processes must be prioritised to empower the Sudanese people to decide their future.

This Council should learn its voice to discourse.

To conclude, by addressing the root causes of the conflict and prioritising humanitarian and political solution to this conflict, there is potential to foster a more peaceful and prosperous future for all Sudanese citizens.

It is therefore urgent to make use of those with leverage against the most egregious perpetrators of human rights and ISIL violations.

We cannot waver in this.

The situation in Sudan demands our collective urgent action to contribute to a lasting solution to the senseless conflict in Sudan.

I thank you.

Now, I give the floor to Miss Hana El Tigani, a civil society representative, for her presentation.

You have the floor, ma'am.

Mr.

President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I stand before you as a young Sudanese woman witnessing my country torn apart by war, a war that didn't begin in April 2023 but has been decades in the making.

As the Assistant Secretary General of the Youth Citizens Observers Network, I am here to tell you that Sudanese youth continue to resist, document and fight for accountability.

Why can't you unite organisations, entities and resisting committees to miniature the political, security and humanitarian conditions through field observation?

This war is not an isolated tragedy, but a consequence of a global system that profits from the suffering of others.

Sudan is not merely at war with itself.

It's trapped in a word, where nations are exploited, resources are plundered, and warlords are armed in the relentless pursuit of power and profit.

While our suffering is met with indifference, the flow of weapons continues unchecked.

This war represents the ugliest manifestation of the contradictions of the modern Sudanese state in its intersections with the global system.

Between June 2024 and February 2025, Sudan witnessed a surge in violence marked by grave human rights violations and widespread civilian casualties.

The repeat support forces stormed village in Al Jazeera, including with the Nura, Asiraha and Hilalia, killing and besieging civilians, and committed massacres in Algina.

In a Syria, more than 124 people were killed and over 500 injured, while the siege of Al Hilaliyah led to over 300 deaths from mice poisoning.

The RSF also shelled Zamzam IDB camp in North Darfur, executed civilians and Alguetena White Nile by shooting and drowning, and destroyed water and electricity stations in Al Gabarif, Casella and White Nile.

Additionally, they engage in forcible child recruitment, including S Sudanese refugee children, and systematically used **** and gang **** as weapons of war, primarily targeting women and children and girls.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese Armed Forces launched earth air strikes and ground assaults, attacking Minigo and El Rabish village in West Kurdufan, bombing civilian areas in Nyala S Darfur and carrying out executions in Al Jazeera, where victims were slaughtered or thrown alive into the Nile.

Staff also conducted indiscriminate airstrikes on civilian neighbourhoods and markets, killing and injuring hundreds with artillery strikes in Anil obeyed, claiming the lives of multiple children.

Both our self and self exchanged accusations over the bombing of Al Jali oil refinery in Khartoum.

Additionally, the Sudan's People Liberation Movement N, led by Abdel Aziz Al Hello, launched artillery, air strikes and attacks on Kadugli S Kurdufan, killing dozens of civilians.

This war has caused a humanitarian catastrophe, displacing over 20% of the population and depriving 90 million children of education, endangering the entire generation.

The healthcare system has collapsed, while hunger has reached catastrophe levels, deepening the crisis.

Giving these dire circumstances, we demand the following.

One, immediate ceasefire efforts and real political action, not just statements of concern.

Two, sanctions on all States and entities supplying arms to the warring parties.

3 Humanitarian and civilian protection efforts that are led by and accountable to Sudanese people.

4, Concrete action against gender based violence, including direct support for survivors and justice mechanisms.

Finally, an international accountability mechanism to prosecute those responsible of war crimes, including mass killings, sexual violence and child recruitment.

This war will leave permanent scars that may never fully heal.

But we will not allow it to define us.

We will transform this grieve into action and this pain into resistance.

Our struggle is not just for survival.

It's a vision and a promise of a Sudan outside the conditionalities of violence and war.

Sudan stands at a dangerous crossroads.

The competing declarations, self constitutional amendment and ours if Sudan founding charter do not offer a path to peace.

They formalise fragmentation, deepen political divides and normalise war as a status quo.

This is no longer just a fight for power, it's a fight over governance itself, where violence dictates authority and civilians bear the coast.

But we are not for, but we haven't forgotten, and we will not forget that our demands remain the same.

Freedom, peace and justice.

There is no war, no armed faction, no internal or external agenda will ever erase that.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam.

Excellent.

HRC58 - Human rights in Sudan - 27 February 2025